Dr Jing Xu

  • Head of Propositions Research
  • Cambridge University Press & Assessment
Dr Jing Xu

Contact

Connect

Location

  • The Triangle Building, Shaftesbury Road, Cambridge, UK, CB2 8EA

About

Required

I am Head of Research for Assessment Innovation in the English Research Group at Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Before joining Cambridge in 2015, I had worked as a research/teaching assistant for the Oral English Certification Test at Iowa State University, a summer research intern at Educational Testing Service, a graduate teaching assistant at the University of Toledo and an English teacher in China.

I received my Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics and Technology from Iowa State University, where I studied language assessment, statistics and quantitative psychology. I also hold an M.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language from the University of Toledo, with a focus on computer-assisted language learning, and a B.A. in English from Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

I currently serve as Co-Chair for the Automated Language Assessment SIG and a Nominating Committee member at the International Language Testing Association (ILTA). I am a member of ILTA, UK Association for Language Testing and Assessment (UKALTA), European Association for Language Testing and Assessment (EALTA), British Association for Applied Linguistics (BAAL), and Asian Association for Language Assessment (AALA). I love playing basketball in my leisure time and am the Treasurer of the Cambourne Raptors Basketball Club.

  • Abstract reviewer, Artificial Intelligence Research in Applied Linguistics (AIRiAL) 2026 conference 
  • Reviewer, Language Assessment Quarterly journal (2020-present)
  • Reviewer, Language Testing journal (2020-present)
  • Abstract reviewer, Language Testing Research Colloquium (LTRC) Annual Conference (2023-present)
  • Abstract reviewer, American Association for Applied Linguistics (AAAL) Annual Conference (2020-present)
  • Co-chair, Automated Language Assessment SIG, International Language Testing Association (January 2023-present)
  • Editorial Advisory Board member, Language Assessment Quarterly journal (January 2020-January 2023)
  • Treasurer, BAAL TEASIG (2018-2020)
  • Nomination and membership committee member, UKALTA (January 2019-December 2019)
  • Abstract reviewer, British Association of Applied Linguistics (BAAL) 2019 conference
  • Chapter reviewer, Link, S., & Li, J. (Eds.). (2018). Assessment across online language education. Equinox.
  • Chapter reviewer, Swanson, P., & Li, S. (Eds.). (2015). Engaging language learners through technology integration: Theory, applications, and outcomes. IGI Global.
  • Chapter reviewer, Turel, V. (Ed.). (2015). Intelligent design of interactive multimedia listening software. IGI Global.
  • Abstract reviewer, TESOL 2013 International Convention & English Language Expo, Dallas, Texas
  • Abstract reviewer, the 30th Second Language Research Forum (SLRF), Ames, IA (2011)
  • Organising committee member, the 13th Midwest Association of Language Testers (MwALT) Conference, Ames, IA (2011)
  • Organising committee member, the 5th Technology for Second Language Learning (TSLL) Conference, Ames, IA (2007)

Research

My current research focuses on the development and validation of technology-enhanced language assessments such as Linguaskill, an AI-powered online English proficiency test. My research interests include second language assessment, automated scoring and feedback, computer-assisted language learning, validity theory, and second language acquisition. Below are some of my recent presentations at academic conferences. My publications can be found on my Google Scholar page. 

Karatay, Y., Eguchi, M., Xu, J., & Glasson, N. (2026, June). Rating scale adaptation for an AI-mediated L2 speaking test. Paper presented at the 47th Language Testing Research Colloquium (LTRC), Montreal, Canada.

Xu, J., Eguchi, M., Karatay, Y., Saeki, M., Glasson, N., Anastasia, R., Pinnington, A., Bruce, E., Galaczi, E., Thomson, M., Robinson, M., & Matsuyama, Y. (2026, June). Can an LLM-powered spoken dialogue system accommodate L2 learners of varying proficiency levels? Paper presented at the 47th Language Testing Research Colloquium (LTRC), Montreal, Canada.

Xu, J., Karatay, Y., & Lee, H.-W. (2025, November). Using Generative AI technology in language education: Promise and challenges. Plenary speech given at the 22nd Technology for Second Language Learning (TSLL) Conference. Iowa State University, Ames, IA.

Karatay, Y., Xu, J., & Karatay, L. (2025, June). Exploring cultural and pragmatic challenges in AI-mediated speaking assessments. Paper presented at the 46th Language Testing Research Colloquium (LTRC), Bangkok.

Xu, J. (2025, March). Automarking in language assessment: Key considerations for best practice. Plenary speech presented at the European Association for Language Testing and Assessment (EALTA) AI SIG Meeting. (Recording can be found here.) 

Karatay, Y. & Xu, J. (2024, November). Eliciting conversational speech using conversational AI: What do markers think? Paper presented at the 44th Language Testing Forum (LTF), Bedford, UK.

Jones, E., Breakspear, T. & Xu, J. (2024, June). Evaluating score accuracy for an automated scoring system in a high-stakes writing test. Paper presented at the 45th Language Testing Research Colloquium (LTRC), Innsbruck, Austria.

Karatay, Y. & Xu, J. (2024, June). Exploring the potential of conversational AI for assessing second language oral proficiency. Paper presented at the 45th Language Testing Research Colloquium (LTRC), Innsbruck, Austria.

Xu, J. (2023, June). Automated scoring of learner speech: Current practices and issues. Paper presented at the 44th Language Testing Research Colloquium (LTRC), New York.

Xu, J. (2022, June). Some issues in automated scoring of language performance tests: Methodologies, practices, and ethics. Keynote speech given at the BAAL TEASIG 2022 conference, London, UK.

Xu, J., Jones, E., Laxton, V., & Galaczi, E. (2022, March). Assessing L2 English speaking using automated scoring technology: Examining automarker reliability. Paper presented at the 43rd Language Testing Research Colloquium (LTRC), Tokyo, Japan.

I work in a non-teaching department and do not supervise any students. 

Teaching and supervision

  • Guest lecturer, MSt in English Language Assessment, University of Cambridge
  • Guest lecturer, ALTE summer language testing course on ‘Assessing writing in the digital age’ (with Dr Sathena Chan)
  • Guest lecturer, ALTE summer language testing course on ‘Technology in language test production and validation’ (invited by Professor Stephen Bax)